Former President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor, is set to deliver a major address at the maiden edition of the Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum (ACFIF 2026), scheduled for May 6 at the London Stock Exchange.
The event, which brings together investors, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the world, will focus on unlocking Africa’s cocoa potential. President Kufuor’s address, themed “Africa Cocoa Vision 2050 – Historical Reflections and Future Pathways,” is expected to set the tone for discussions on the future of the continent’s cocoa industry.
Organisers say the former leader will draw on his experience in both governance and agriculture to outline how cocoa can drive industrial growth, regional trade, and long-term economic development in Africa.
During his presidency from 2001 to 2008, Kufuor oversaw significant reforms in Ghana’s cocoa sector, including nationwide spraying programmes and fertiliser support initiatives.
These efforts helped boost production from about 300,000 tonnes to over 750,000 tonnes, laying the groundwork for the country’s record one million-tonne harvest in 2010/11.
He also championed value addition by attracting major global processors such as Cargill, Barry Callebaut, and Olam, helping to strengthen Ghana’s cocoa processing industry.
The forum will feature a high-level panel discussion on opportunities for regional growth and transformation in the cocoa sector. Key contributors include Olasunkanmi Owoyemi and Alex Assanvo.
Another session will explore new frontiers in cocoa value addition, including chocolate manufacturing, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical uses.
Industry players such as Patricia Poku-Diaby and Vishnu Kakra are expected to share insights on expanding into these emerging areas.
In a further highlight, Michel Arrion of the International Cocoa Organization will introduce the proposed African Cocoa Exchange, a platform aimed at improving pricing transparency and strengthening Africa’s role in global cocoa trade.
ACFIF 2026 is the first of what organisers hope will become a leading global platform for mobilising investment and partnerships in Africa’s cocoa sector. The forum is being convened by Cocoa Trade & Invest Africa and DMA Invest, in collaboration with the Institute of Directors Africa Group.
With growing demand for cocoa products worldwide, stakeholders say the forum comes at a critical time to reposition Africa—not just as a producer of raw beans, but as a key player in value-added production and global market leadership.